The United States and Japan will step up their defence cooperation to deal with the threat from nuclear-armed North Korea as tensions in East Asia remain high, officials from the two allies said on Thursday.

Melb mother and son in French crash

The Australian mother and her adult son who died in the French air disaster are from Melbourne.

Victorian Premier Daniel Andrews said consular assistance was being provided to the family.

"We can confirm that two of the 150 who have lost their lives are from our state and we believe they're from Melbourne," he told reporters on Wednesday.

The Victorian government will provide any help it can to the family, he said.

The premier said the tragic crash in the French alps brought back memories of other plane crashes over the past year.

"This incident will be a very painful reminder of other disasters in recent times - whether it's MH370 or MH17 - this will be a very raw moment for many Victorian families who have had to live through those tragedies just in the space of the last 12 months," he said.

Mr Andrews said he would personally offer his condolences to the family at the appropriate time.